Mumbai, July 28: Shiv Sena (UBT) has launched a scathing attack on the central BJP government and the Uttar Pradesh police through an editorial in its mouthpiece, ‘Saamana.’ The party alleges that social workers Mohammad Junaid and Shadab Saifi, who provided food and water to protesters during the demonstration against irregularities in the NEET-UG exam at Jantar Mantar, are being targeted for political reasons.
The editorial claims that the Uttar Pradesh police have harassed not only Junaid but also his entire family. It is alleged that his parents, sister, and in-laws were taken to police stations multiple times and kept there for up to 12 hours. The police are reportedly trying to uncover the funding sources for the relief operation that lasted 35 days, during which thousands of protesters received daily meals.
Shiv Sena (UBT) accuses the administration of attempting to weaken the movement by obstructing food supplies to the protest site. According to the editorial, nearby hotels, street vendors, and food delivery services in the Connaught Place area were instructed to cease operations. Despite suffering a leg injury, Mohammad Junaid continued to deliver meals to protesters with the help of local Sikh langars.
The party asserts that while the government is vigorously investigating humanitarian aid providers, it has failed to address serious national security issues. The editorial points out that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which killed 27 tourists, remain unidentified, and the source of the RDX used in the Pulwama attack that claimed 40 soldiers’ lives is still unknown. Yet, the entire government machinery is focused on investigating where Junaid’s food campaign funding originated, simply because he wears a beard and a cap.
The editorial also claims that the administration is astonished at how community members organized such a large-scale relief effort, which is why Junaid and his family are being harassed.
Shiv Sena (UBT) demands that just as the funding for Junaid’s campaign is being scrutinized, there should be complete transparency regarding the financial dealings of the government and political parties, including an official investigation into the BJP’s election funds.
Describing the Jantar Mantar protests as a “massive and vibrant festival of youth against tyranny,” the editorial states that despite facing police batons, pellet guns, and tear gas, the youth showed no fear or pain. It also mentions that if “cockroaches” sit together for a discussion after the movement ends, BJP supporters need not be offended.
In the editorial, Shiv Sena (UBT) appeals to environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk and human rights activists to unite and raise their voices against the alleged government actions against Mohammad Junaid, Shadab Saifi, and other grassroots social workers.
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